Crystal Productions has selected products available for video streaming and download rights for school districts or schools with password protected digital environments. For questions and pricing, please contact Amy Woodworth at 800-255 -8629 or alwcp@aol.com.

“ARTintegration is a brilliantly creative set of lesson plans for 45 minutes classes that teach multidisciplinary approaches across the curriculum through art"–The Midwest Book Reviewl

Art Is... Ceramics: Basic Throwing Skills

“His methods are easy to understand, and he throughly explains each movement as he performs it. I highly recommend this DVD to any beginning potter.”– D. Winchell

Art Is... Complete Set

“The delightful Art Is... video series from Crystal provides easy–to–follow instructions and guidance for a variety of art and craft projects for children.”– Emergency Librarian

Art Is... Computer Animation: Student Animation Showcase

“After viewing this delightful motivational video, students will be eager to use a basic computer–animation software program to create their own productions. The video showcases a collection of award–winning animations created by high school students and provides a variety of possibilities that are posible to achieve in the classroom.

The teacher, Don Wass, describes the process that his students used in making their animation programs. He briefly explains key framing, the use of a storyboard wall and a timeline, different camera positions and angles, changing facial expressions (on a dog), making three–dimensional objects move, and more.

A musical background adds to the delightful and often humorous animations. This video is a good companion to Crystal Productions' video "[Art Is...] Computer Animation", which features a demonstration of basic computer animation by Don Wass.”– B. Herberholz, Arts & Activities (5/5 Stars)

Art Is... Elements & Principles of Design

“The color and close–ups are excellent, and the interesting and easy–to–comprehend narration parallels the Elements and Principles of Design posters....Teachers could easily use this DVD to structure an entire series of lessons.”– Arts & Activities

“This indispensable program takes the mystery out of the elements and principles of design and helps art educators teach these concepts which are an integral part of the National Standards.”– Arts & Activities

Art Room Basics Posters

“...is suitable for almost any art classroom...”– Arts & Activities

Art Styles: 1850s–1950s Portfolio Prints

“These prints would make a nice classroom display for illustrating centuries of changing art styles.”– SchoolArts

Art Styles Posters

“Teachers will be eager to find bulletin–board space to showcase these colorful and informative posters.”– Arts & Activities

“Once again Crystal Productions has created a valuable visual resource for the art classroom. Every middle and high school art room should have these posters on display.”– SchoolArts

Art Styles Videos

“Lisa’s friendly presentation and the beautiful display of artwork combine to make this series a welcome addition to classroom and public library shelves.”– Children’s Bookwatch

Art Talk: Talks with Working Professionals

“...is especially recommended viewing for public school art education classes and a gem for public library collections. Individual artists are also sure to enjoy and perhaps even draw insights from the wisdom of their contemporaries!”– School Library Journal

“The genius of this film is in the way it captures the artist that is inside all of us. Autumn's apparent joy in exploration with materials and technique make it look like fun, and viewers come away believing that they can do it, too. A welcome addition to the art curriculum across grade levels.”– J. Cox, Midwest Book Review

“A wonderful and inspirational DVD that adult art lovers as well as young people can appreciate, Autumn de Forest is a choice pick especially for school DVD libraries.”– The Midwest Book Reviewl

“..Art Today! Is an especially effective book to prepare young children to look forward to art class, highly recommended especially for kindergarten picture book collections.”– The Midwest Book Reviewl

“This presentation is well suited for students across the grade/school/age spectrum and would act well as a departure point for discussions and writing assignments about careers in art–related fields.”– Arts & Activities

“...This video is highly recommended for career counselors, as well as upper elementary, intermediate, and secondary art teahcers.”– P. Stephens, Associate Professor of Education

Careers In Art, 2nd Edition

“The text is clearly organized and easy to read. Well worth the reasonable price...essential for all school and public libraries.”– School Library Journal

Collage Posters

“Teachers who are familiar with collage making will find the posters to be a good reference resource. Teachers who are less familiar with collage will discover that the posters readily guide instruction so that students are better able to create effective designs.”– P. Stephens, Associate Professor of Education

Color Posters

“Art teachers, especially those who teach in upper elementary, middle grades, or high school, will find these display cards to be a welcome addition to their resource libraries...are also useful for post–secondary art studio foundation courses.”– P. Stephens, Associate Professor of Education

“Educational, inventive, and inspirational, Creating Circular Art is enthusiastically recommended for artists of all skill and experience levels, as well as library and art school DVD collections.”– The Midwest Book Review

Creating Fiber Weavings & Baskets

“Step–by–step demonstrations of the basic weaving process, as well as how coiling rope wrapped with yarn can shape practical baskets, make ‘Creating Fiber Weavings and Baskets’ amazingly easy to follow, given the elaborate, colorful, and practical finished products...excellent addition to any art classroom’s library, and choice pick for budding artists seeking to experiment in a variety of media.”– J. Cox, Midwest Book Review

“An excellent "hands-on" how-to guide, Creating Still Lifes is a choice pick especially for aspiring artists.”– The Midwest Book Review

Creating with Crayons

“Perfect for teachers of younger students and classroom teachers without in–depth art backgrounds.”– Arts & Activities

Crystal Color Wheel

“I just love your color wheel! It is large enough that my students can see it from anywhere in the room, but they love to walk up to it and study the masterworks. The rotating inner wheel is an invaluable tool as well.”– K. Parker, Art Teacher

“If we could have only one art instruction series in our video library, this would be the one.”– P.S.

Dropping In On... Series

“An excellent addition to any grade school or junior high curriculum.”– Childrens’ Bookwatch

“…the human characters make a good contrast with the well–reproduced paintings....”– SchoolArts

Dropping In On Impressionists

“...especially recommended for grade school DVD libraries. Also highly recommended is the tie–in companion book, ‘Dropping in on Impressionists’.”– J. Cox, Midwest Book Review

“The clearly presented content of this film, combined with its engaging visuals, make it an accessible introduction, and a presentation worthwhile for students of all grade levels.”– P.H., Arts & Activities

Dropping In On Renaissance Artists DVD

“...makes an excellent addition to public school DVD libraries.”– J. Cox, Midwest Book Review

“This simple yet interesting introduction to an important part of our artistic heritage will be embraced by art teachers for use with young students.”– T. Bateman, Elementary Teacher

“An excellent educational DVD, highly recommended for public and school library collections.”– The Midwest Book Review

Dynamic Art Projects For Children

“This book is very easy to follow and provides some creative ideas on projects for kids. We used one of the projects for a class auction fund raiser which turned out awsome. Each child participated and I was surprised to see how well the results turned out for our 4th graders.”– T. Barrette, Teacher (5/5 Stars)

“This is a wonderful example of an art curriculum that not only teaches young people the concepts of art, but also allows them to use their own creativity. A great addition for all libraries and art curriculums.”– School Library Journal

“We were awed by Andy Goldsworthy’s magical organic sculptures several years ago upon publication of his A Collaboration with Nature (1990), and we’re just as uplifted now by the experience of reading this retrospective volume.”– Booklist

How Artists See Set/12

“Carroll’s series... eclipses the competition... How Artists See has the makings of a classic – a core experience for budding art enthusiasts to build on.”– Publishers Weekly

“Wow! If you have been looking for a way to get children interested in art, call off the search: it just doesn't get any better than this.”– The Children’s Literature Choice List

“They encourage young readers to notice the big picture as well as its details, to compare and contrast, to put themselves into the painter’s place, to ask more questions, and to react with artistic expression of their own... these are first–rate art appreciation guides for adults and young children together, or older readers alone.”– Children’s Literature Review

How To Throw Large Pots

“I just ordered five more of your wonderful videos after watching your Introduction to Throwing tape.”– V.K., Richmond, VA

“The camerawork and lighting showcase each project perfectly. Flores’s tone is clear and she is obviously speaking to both teachers and children...A fun purchase for elementary school media centers, community centers, and art camps.”– I. Miller, School Library Journal

“...is suitable for a wide range of ages and has multiple classroom applications...This video is recommended for K–12 classrooms and resource libraries.”– P. Stephens, Associate Professor of Education

“The video will hold the interest of students, who will find it to be inspirational and over too soon. This reviewer, captivated by the gorgeous color and mesmerizing action, found herself wishing the movie were longer.”– P. G., Arts & Activities

“...offers a brief yet vividly brilliant portrayal of the man and his work, offering a wealth of inspiration to aspiring artists eager to seize advantage of the latest creative innovations.”– J. Cox, Midwest Book Review

Laurence M. Gartel: Digital Media Artist Posters

“...these posters are sure to engage students in an informative and compelling way...The diverse range of prints makes them perfect for a classroom discussion or individual, close–up investigation.”– J. Carpino, SchoolArts

Line: 7 Elements of Art

“...makes this most basic element graspable and relevant to readers of all ages.”– SolCal Art lover

“This is a great book for both ideas and techniques. Inspirational!”– M. M.

Making Dinosaurs Out of Clay

“Since kids love dinosaurs and squishy clay, an instructional video that combines the two is sure to entertain budding young sculptors. Providing simple, easy–to–follow instructions mixed with fun dino facts, artist Mark Abildgaard demonstrates (in real time) how to make dinosaurs of the two–legged (the ever–popular Tyrannosaurus Rex), four–legged (Triceratops and Stegosaurus), and winged (Pteranodon) varieties. The camera angles and editing effectively illustrate the creative process, while the addition of chapters on the DVD make the program easy to use in small segments. It should be noted that Abildgaard assumes viewers have access to a kiln, even though he is careful to use only tools that are easily found at a grocery store instead of traditional clay modeling tools, and spends a good deal of time demonstrating how to paint and glaze the sculptures. Recommended. Audience: Elementary, Intermediate, Public Libraries.”– E. Gieschen, Video Librarian

“...is a simple crafting DVD especially recommended for young dinosaur enthusiasts, but enjoyable for viewers of all ages and skill levels in the art of clay sculpting. A short "how–to" program covers basic modeling and sculpting techniques, walking the viewer through the process step–by–step with user–friendly instructions and demonstrations. A real treat for parents and children to share while exploring creative possibilities with clay.”– Midwest Book Review

Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision

“"It's the people, not the politics." Although the works – the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Civil Rights Memorial, among others – starkly portray the true spoils of war, whether foreign or domestic, architect Maya Lin's "strong clear vision" embodied in these works is a hyper–personalized tribute to "the people." Her simple, yet eloquent, memorials invite not the traditional stand–in–awe–and–admire response, but rather a tactile engagement: visitors' fingers trace the names of the fallen carved on national elegies.

An Oscar winner for Best Documentary in 1995, writer/director Freida Lee Mock's chronicle of Maya Lin's work effectively captures the extraordinary aspects of Lin's career: submitting the winning design as a college student for the Vietnam Veterans memorial, the 20–year–old Lin's introduction into the world of public sculpture/architecture was literally a baptism by fire, as she found not only her ideas, but her heritage under vicious attack. Undeterred, Maya Lin went on to create one of the most famous pieces of architecture in the world.

The instantaneously famous architect would go on to create many more works, and the cameras follow the artist quietly building a decade's worth of projects, but none would cause anywhere near the controversy engendered by her maiden effort. And – from a narrative standpoint – that's one of the minor problems of the film: the dramatic action falls off after the first half hour; a second is that Lin herself (whom we learn very little about personally) tends to go on at length about design tidbits that might put an architect in drool mode, but don't really engage the general viewer.

Still, these are minor quibbles: Mock's film is a great portrait of the artist, which also serves as an inspiration for aspiring... well, all of us, really. Regardless of our calling, that "strong clear vision" is what we seek to achieve in our work and in our lives. Highly recommended.”– Video Librarian, (4/5 Stars)

Mobiles Posters

“Excellent examples of mobiles by contemporary artists and clearly written text make the posters appropriate for classroom display or for use by individual students.”– P. Stephens, Associate Professor of Education

The Annotated Mona Lisa: A Crash Course in Art History from Prehistoric to Post–Modern

“Excellent from middle school to college.”– Amazon.com

The Disciplines of Art Posters

“Helping students to remember and apply the four disciplines of art becomes less difficult with the use of these posters.”– T. Mendenhall, Teacher

Tissue Paper Creations

“This upbeat presentation will motivate viewers to experiment with this medium to create their own works of art.”– SchoolArts

Travels with Monet

“...a light and fun read aimed at young would be artists...a top pick for any youth–oriented art collection, highly recommended.”– J. Cox, Midwest Book Review

“...will engage young readers with its colorful art images and unusual stories about the artist...is recommended for school libraries as well as art classrooms. This is a book that will be used again and again.”– M. Mitchell, Art Educator

“As we have come to expect from any resource material by Gerald Brommer, this set of posters is informative, thorough, and beautiful.”– Arts & Activities

Who Is The Artist? American Scene & Who is the Artist? Fantasy Art

“This art appreciation video compares and contrasts the work of three artists who delved into the realm of the imagination for inspiration. Well–researched biographical information on each artist is weaved seamlessly into the narrative. The selected art provides a good overview of each artist’s distinctive style. Simple interactive quizzes are sprinkled throughout. Another excellent video in the series is “Who Is the Artist? Painters of the American Scene – Benton, Hopper, Wood.” [Here the two are combined, ed.]”– School Library Journal (5/5 stars)

Who Is the Artist? Complete Set

“Before the video ... only a few students could match the artist with the art work. After the video, I quizzed the students again and they were excited to tell me that they know who the artist is.”– D.N., Art Teacher

“This well–produced series should build the art history abilities of students from grades three through middle school.”– SchoolArts

“This creative video introduces the work of Mary Cassat, Edgar Degas, and Pierre–Auguste Renoir and teaches you how to recognize their work by their styles and technique of painting as well as the subjects that dominate their work. After you are introduced to each artist, you are shown other paintings to see if you can figure out who painted them based on what you've learned in the video. The video is fast–paced and fun.”– Amazon.com

Who is the Artist? Painters of Fantasy Art

“This art appreciation video compares and contrasts the work of three artists who delved into the realm of the imagination for inspiration. Well–researched biographical information on each artist is weaved seamlessly into the narrative. The selected art provides a good overview of each artist's distinctive style. Simple interactive quizzes are spirnkled throughout. Another excellent video in the series is "Who Is the Artist? Painters of the American Scene – Benton, Hopper, Wood."”– School Library Journal (5/5 stars)

Who Is The Artist? Post–Impressionism: Cezanne, Van Gogh, Seurat

“I took a survey before the video to see if [my students] could identify one of Cezannes’, van Goghs’, or Seurat's artworks. Only a couple people seemed to match the artists with the artwork. After the video, I quizzed the students again and they were excited to tell me that they knew who the artist is.”– D. Norris, Art Teacher

Why Is Blue Dog Blue? A Tale of Colors

“Highly recommended for young readers in the process of learning about colors.”– Midwest Book Review

Wire Sculpture

“Demonstrations and examples abound in this amazing guideline to superlatively blending one’s skill and creativity...excellent addition to any art classroom’s library, and choice picks for budding artists seeking to experiment in a variety of media.”– J. Cox, Midwest Book Review

“...is suitable for both students and teachers.”– P. H., Arts & Activities

With Hand and Heart: A Portrait of Southwestern Native American Artists

“A beautiful video and one to be viewed several times to absorb the full richness of the works of these artists.”– Arts & Activities